The creators call the game a spiritual successor to Disco Elysium. The plot centers around Herschel, a gifted but unlucky agent forced to survive in a world of paranoia, betrayal, and inevitable failures.
As in the studio's previous project, the emphasis is on a deep narrative RPG with many choices and a constant balance between success and failure. ZA/UM describes the game as a "spy role-playing drama built on paranoia, surrealism, and the pursuit of redemption."
Among the new mechanics is the "Dramatic Encounters" system — tense scenes where time freezes and the player needs to make a quick decision. The outcome depends not on action, but on dice rolls and character stats. Even experienced agents can fail, reflecting the philosophy that "failure is also a path forward."
Another feature is the "Exert" system. It allows you to take a risk by adding an extra die to the roll. The chances of success increase, but at a certain cost.
The game also includes a "Conditioning" system, developing the ideas of the "thought cabinet" from Disco Elysium. Herschel will be able to consolidate certain ideas, which affects skills, behavior, and mental stability. But this also carries costs, showing the psychological price of espionage and survival under pressure.
The game can be added to the Steam wishlist.